Kim Allen Kessinger 59, of Akron Colorado, passed away April 24th 2012, as a result of a farm related accident. He was born September 18th, 1952 in Akron, Colorado to Cecil E. Kessinger and Lola Mae (Howell) Kessinger. Kim grew up fast after losing his father at a young age. In high school, his ambitions were fueled by two teachers and lifelong friends, Rob Pachner and Roger Milner. He is also remembered as a fierce competitor in football and wrestling. As a young adult he continued his competitiveness by playing softball with a great group of friends on a team he sponsored, called K&K Farms. He instilled his passion for athletics in his children and his competitive spirit showed through them.
In 1974 he was lucky enough to find the love and partner of his life in Lila Elrick. They were married on June 30th, after which he shipped her to Brush to a huge hog farm where there were a lot of mice. In the summer of 1976, their son Vern came to live with them at the age of 7. Their second son, Kory was born into the family in March of 1977. As the family grew quickly, the trailer house began to feel small. Soon there was an announcement of the coming arrival of Kate in the early fall of 1978. Kim, with the help of many of his close friends and relatives began to build the home that they currently reside in. In January of 1982, tragedy struck when Kim and Lila lost their infant son Kasey Robert. In March of 1984 joy filled their lives again, when Kendall was born. Kim lived his life for his children and it showed by their achievements in sports, 4-H, FFA and their community involvement. You never saw Kim without one of his kids by his side.
His professional life started at a young age by raising pigs on his mother’s small farm. He earned the money to start his business by sacking feed every night after practice at Goodman Elevator. He went to work for Lee O’Neil after high school at the hog farm that he later purchased. He worked days for Weisbart Hog farm and nights at his own hog farm south of Akron. This is where they raised many animals and a family together.
When an opportunity presented itself, Kim was never afraid to jump all over it. Risk was not a negative word in his vocabulary. This is why he prospered in agriculture. He made his start in the hog business and eventually diversified to the cow business and then on to cattle feeding. He has been well known and respected in every venture he has taken.
Kim’s favorite pastime was his horses! He has been fortunate to have made many close friends and had a few fast race horses in the process. He is well known and respected as an owner and breeder. A few of his accomplishments have been in the winner’s circle of the All American Futurity, Champion of Champions, Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity, and many others. It was fun for Kim and Lila to take time out of their busy lives to travel and enjoy their favorite hobby.
Kim was involved in his community by serving on several boards, including the Akron School District, Y-W Electric Association, Washington County Fair Board, 4-H Livestock Sale Committee, and as Trustee of the Akron United Methodist Church. He is a member of the Akron Lions Club, Akron Elks Lodge, and the Akron United Methodist Church. Kim is known for speaking his mind. He never failed to voice his opinion if he felt strongly about an issue.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lila, four children, Vern and wife Joyce, Kory and wife Shanan, Kate and husband Dan Warner, and Kendall and husband Scott Rubottom. Grandchildren include Amber and Cody Kessinger, Kacyn and Addicyn Kessinger, Gentry, Berkley and Kallan Warner, and Kenzi Rubottom. He is also survived by sister Loraine Dresen of Sterling, Colorado, half-brother, Vern Kessinger of Salem, Oregon, half-sister Evelyn Richardson of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and many friends and relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Penny Kessinger, and infant son.

A celebration of Kim’s life was held at the Akron High School Field House on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers; the family suggests memorial contributions to be made to the Kim Kessinger Memorial Fund, c/o Bowin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 576, Akron, Colorado 80720.